Welcome to Cupertino ARES/RACES


This site is operated by and for Cupertino Amateur Radio Emergency Service (CARES) members interested in emergency preparedness and amateur radio communication. Visitors are welcome to check us out.


What's News!


ARKnet, Lehigh Sector Site on line

ARKnet Lehigh Build Team

Posted by Marcel AI6MS, 27 Feb 2016

It brings me great pleasure to inform you that we have successfully deployed the Lehigh Sector Site today at the Lehigh Permanente Cement Plant. The installation went very smoothly and all systems are fully operational at this time. The Lehigh Plant has been exceptionally welcoming and accommodating for this project. Their approval for using this site was the final step in making this project possible. Check out the Photo Album for a look at the action.

A special thanks to Judy KK6EWQ, Allan KD6QPP, Kenneth W6KWF, and Jim KN6PE for their assistance in the installation and preparations for this site deployment!

In the coming months, we'll be deploying multiple client sites for ARKnet around the city. Please contact me if you are interested in learning more or helping with these client sites.   More Details...


15th Annual PSA performed in record time

Filling out the COES 105 form

Posted by Jim KN6PE, 16 Jan 2016

CARES completed its annual Preliminary Safety Assessment exercise with 15 members participating. PSA messages were passed with terrific efficiency with the drill wrapped up in under 45 minutes! Even after 15 years of PSA drills, there were still new learning that were uncovered, the top one being how to handle multi-unit dwellings in the roll-up. We recognize this needs to be sorted out before next year's drill. See the After Action Report link here.   More Details...


Cupertino survives simulated Communications Outage

Radio Operations in the Field and Comm Van

Posted by Jim KN6PE, 21 Nov 2015

Cupertino Citizen Corps held a Communications Outage exercise where we simulated a total loss of landline and cell phone communications throughout the Bay Area. Ten teams, each consisting of a CARES and CERT member, were deployed into the field to establish Community Emergency Assistance Request stations to help distribute information from the City as well as take in and pass simulated 911 requests for help. With the teams handling a total of 52 messages over 2 hours, we confirmed that integrating CCC members is a great way to leverage our resources. We learned a lot and plan to refine our processes based on the feedback we received. Thanks to all who participated for your help!   More Details...


First Mesh Deployment!

Mesh node with camera on Pacifica Avenue

12 Nov 2015

Its been a long time coming. With workshops and flash parties behind us, it was time to see if this really works, and adds value to our served agencies! Our target event was the County Sheriff's Heroes Run on Nov 7. Judy KK6EWQ, Doug KJ6LLY, Skip WA6VFD, and Jim KN6PE fielded 6 mesh nodes supporting 2 webcams and 5 VoIP telephones. Overall, the deployment went per the plan and we definitely see opportunities to refine our solution!   More Details...


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Upcoming Activities


23 Mar 2024, CCC Hands-on Radio
Follow-on FRS/GMRS radio use, familiarization, and simple practice, Monta Vista ARK, 10:00a to 12:00p.   

30 Mar 2024, Big Bunny 5K
For this annual public service event, CARES needs net controllers, field responders and a shadow. 7:30 to 10:30 am   More Details...

4 Apr 2024, General Meeting
Topic: TBD, St Jude Parish Hall, 19:30 to 21:00   

2 May 2024, General Meeting
Topic: TBD, St Jude Parish Hall, 19:30 to 21:00   

18 May 2024, MRC Exercise
Minimal CARES participation (Field and NCO) and traffic. Location, Time TDB.   

6 Jun 2024, General Meeting
Field Day Prep, St Jude Parish Hall,19:30 to 21:00   

22 Jun 2024, ARRL Field Day
Tentative: Memorial Park | Parking lot behind Quinlan Center, 10185 N Stelling Rd. 08:00 to 17:00